In 1925, Lalique received a commission from Andre Citroen to produce a mascot for his 5CV model. The result, five prancing horses in glass, was dubbed “Cinc Cheveaux”.(Michael Furman/RM Auctions/Michael Furman/RM Auctions)

Many of Lalique’s mascots were apparently used as paperweights and these likely have a much higher survival rate than those actually used on cars.(Michael Furman/RM Auctions/Michael Furman/RM Auctions)

It isn’t known how many Lalique mascots were produced up until the Second World War (Lalique himself died in 1945, but the company still exists as a purveyor of pricey lifestyle items), or how many survive.(Michael Furman/RM Auctions/Michael Furman/RM Auctions)

Copies and fakes abound, but judging by the price paid for Chesney’s collection, if you find an old cardboard box of these beautiful and rare automotive ornaments at a spring car flea market you shouldn’t haggle, just pay the asking price and walk nonchalantly away.(Michael Furman/RM Auctions/Michael Furman/RM Auctions)

More related to this story

Next story

| Learn More

Discover content from The Globe and Mail that you might otherwise not have come across. Here we’ll provide you with fresh suggestions where we will continue to make even better ones as we get to know you better.

You can let us know if a suggestion is not to your liking by hitting the ‘’ close button to the right of the headline.